The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-09-06

erwise have gladly visited our shores in the hope
OF meeting American physicians with whose
writing and regulations they were well ac-
quainted.
AS the discussion continued it was discovered
that the presidents OF fifteen out of the
sections had declined TO hold Office, while about
one hundred aud thirty apDointees to various
subordinate offices haG also sent IN their resig-
nations. The secretary &c nera.shp perhaps the
most important Office in the congress. was
offered DR.. John 81. Packard, of your city
and promptly declined by him. but ultimately
Dr. John B. Hamilton. Surgeon-general of the
Marine Hospital service, was secured, and 1t Is
safe to say that whatever success the congress
attains will be due in no small degree to the in
defatigable efforts of this gentleman.
Among other troubles with which the congress
was confronted was the death of Dr. Austin
Flint, of New York, who elected to the
presidency, and whose name was a tower of
strength. In his place Dr. Nathan S. Davis, of
Chicago. was elected, selection which
doubtedly of the best possible under the
circumstances, DR.. Davis is not only person
ally popular, but has unusually strong follow
ing iE the West, and is besides editor of the of
fetal Journal of the American Medical Associa-
ton.
In spite of 81 difficulties the committee
seemed to be determined to conquer the OBJ
stacles which constantly presented themselves.
and no sooner had one nominee declined Of
fce than another was hunted for and the long
list nnally filled, while the charmen or sections
have managed to get together a numbsr of pa
pers which, if not of the first order in point of
scientific merit at least respec table in that
This opinion is hazarded from glance at the
official programme, bulky little pamphlet which
has just made its appearance.
Want of money has been another drawback of
most serious character with which the execu-
tive has had to struggle. Congress. under Mr..
RandalFs economical promptings, appropriated
the beggarly sum of $4,000 towards the
penses. and about S., 900 more has been collected
from various medical organizations and from in
dividuals. This amount, SIS. 900 is less than
half of what Is necessary 60 maintain the repu-
tation of this country for hospitality AT Copen-
hagen the hospitality of the profession and
people was simply lavish for country
comparatively poor AS Denmark, and at London
where the Congress met in 1881. single dinner
given by the city of London cost $15, 900. while
probably FIVE times that sum spent by orga-
nizations and individuals in entertaining the
guests. 1t is announced that the most elaborate
exhibition of hospitality will be buffet ban
quet" at the Pension Office. at which domestic
champagne only will be served. and the COM
mlttee IS in sore straits over demand by per-
son who has the exclusive right to convey visi-
tors to Mount Vernon, for tax OF 66 cents
head from the foreign delegates, who are to be
Father OF his Country. in the United States
ju nketing vessel Dispatch. =.
Whatever may be said of the quality of the
delegates there is doubt that the number will
be very large, every hotel seems thronged
with DOCTORS and already the very boobtlacks on
the corners shouting Hey, shine em MP.
Doc2' The congress will be opened Monday at
IL o'clock in the presence of President Cleve-
land, and the various sections will begin work
in the afternoon. Sessions will he held every
day next week.